Dick Advocaat, the Rangers coach, owned up to his anxiety over the untried partnership in central defence with which he has to face Bayer Leverkusen tonight.
The Dutchman will draft the 21-year-old novice Scott Wilson into the position vacated by the suspended Lorenzo Amoruso. He will play alongside the experienced Colin Hendry.
"To be honest, I have to have some concern over the defence," said Advocaat. "It's an area that is crucial and one you can't be sure of till they've worked together. And it's especially difficult against opponents whose strength is in forward areas, from midfield to attack."
Advocaat's concern was relieved a little with the news that the striker Ulf Kirsten is a doubtful starter. The 32-year-old German, who has 85 caps, including his 49 for East Germany, was clearly one of the dangerous men to whom Advocaat had alluded when he talked of Leverkusen's forward strength.
Christoph Daum, the Leverkusen coach, said it was only evens about Kirsten making an appearance. When asked, however, if he would take a risk with the striker, his reply was significant. "Every risk," said Daum.
Celtic have confirmed that their centre-half Marc Rieper will have an operation on his damaged ankle tomorrow. The Danish international is expected to be out for four to six weeks.
